20 African American Southern Chocolate Cake Recipe Get Cooking And Enjoy!

Published on: Mar 26, 2024

Southern chocolate cake has become a staple dessert in many African American households. This rich and decadent treat is a reflection of the fusion of African and European culinary traditions in the southern United States. The recipe has been passed down from generation to generation, and its popularity continues to grow. In this article, we will explore the history and cultural significance of this beloved dessert as well as provide a delicious and authentic African American southern chocolate cake recipe.

Jump to Recipe

1 of 20

Southern Sausage Gravy

Main Ingredients: Pork Sausage, All Purpose Flour, Milk, Black Pepper

Classic Southern Sausage Gravy • deepfriedhoney

Grandma's Classic Southern Biscuits and Sausage Gravy Recipe - Erhardts Eat

Sausage gravy is a staple in Southern cooking and is often served over biscuits for a hearty breakfast. But did you know that it also pairs well with beer can chicken? This creamy, flavorful gravy adds a touch of comfort to the smoky flavors of the chicken. The best part? It's easy to make and takes less than 30 minutes to prepare. So go ahead and give this Southern sausage gravy a try with your next beer can chicken recipe.

2 of 20

Southern Collard Greens

Main Ingredients: Collard Greens, Olive Oil, Onion, Garlic, Kosher Salt

Southern Collard Greens | RecipeLion.com

Vegan Southern-Style Collard Greens - Healthier Steps

Southern Collard Greens | NeighborFood

Cooked low and slow with smoked ham hocks, these Southern collard greens are a perfect side dish for your beer can chicken. The smokiness from the ham hocks complements the smoky flavors of the chicken, making for a delicious pairing. And don't forget to use the leftover chicken drippings to add even more flavor to the greens. Serve them up with some hot sauce for a little kick and you've got a classic Southern meal that will have everyone asking for seconds.

3 of 20

Southern Peach Cobbler!

Main Ingredients: Butter, Sugar, Flour, Baking Powder, Salt, Milk, Peaches

Easy Southern Peach Cobbler - Love Bakes Good Cakes

Southern Peach Cobbler - Best Recipe EVER! - Merry About Town

No meal is complete without a sweet treat at the end, and this Southern peach cobbler is the perfect way to end a meal featuring beer can chicken. The juicy peaches, warm spices, and buttery crust make for a mouth-watering dessert that will have your guests begging for the recipe. Serve it up with a scoop of vanilla ice cream for the ultimate indulgence.

4 of 20

Southern Hush Puppies

Main Ingredients: Yellow Cornmeal, All Purpose Flour, Granulated Sugar

Southern Hush Puppies (Best Recipe with Video) | How To Feed A Loon

Hush Puppies (With Crispy Edges and Soft Centers)

Hush puppies are a classic Southern side dish that pairs perfectly with beer can chicken. These little balls of fried cornmeal batter are crispy on the outside and soft on the inside, making for a delicious contrast to the tender chicken. Serve them up with some honey butter for a touch of sweetness and you've got a winning side dish that will have everyone coming back for more.

5 of 20

Southern Cornbread Dressing

Main Ingredients: Buttermilk Cornbread, Sandwich Bread, Salt, Black

Southern Cornbread Dressing - Home. Made. Interest.

Southern-Style Cornbread Dressing - Grace and Good Eats

The Best Southern Cornbread Dressing - Everyday Eileen

Cornbread dressing is a traditional Southern dish that is a must-have during the holiday season. But why wait for a special occasion to enjoy this delicious dish? Pair it with your beer can chicken for a meal that combines the best of both worlds. The savory flavors of the dressing complement the smoky chicken, making for a meal that is both comforting and flavorful.

6 of 20

Southern Baked Beans

Main Ingredients: Navy Beans, Bacon, Garlic, Sweet Onion, Worcestershire

Grandma's Real Southern Baked Beans – Must Love Home

Grandma's Southern Baked Beans Recipe with Bacon + (Video)

Quick Southern-Style Baked Beans from Milwaukee Journal Sentinel ...

Baked beans are a staple in Southern BBQ and are a perfect side dish for beer can chicken. These slow-cooked beans are loaded with bacon, brown sugar, and spices, making for a sweet and savory dish that is sure to be a crowd-pleaser. Serve them up with some coleslaw for a classic Southern meal that will have your taste buds singing.

7 of 20

Southern Fried Chicken Wings

Main Ingredients: Chicken Wings, All Purpose Flour, Grated Parmesan

Oven Baked Southern Fried Chicken Wings with Orange Honey Drizzle ...

Extra Crispy Baked Chicken Wings - i FOOD Blogger

3,962 Southern Fried Chicken Stock Photos - Free & Royalty-Free Stock ...

What's a Southern meal without some fried chicken? These crispy, flavorful chicken wings are a perfect addition to your beer can chicken recipe. Serve them up with some homemade BBQ sauce for a tangy and delicious meal that will have everyone reaching for more. Pro tip: use the leftover chicken drippings to add even more flavor to the wings.

8 of 20

Southern Praline Cake

Main Ingredients: Butter, Granulated Sugar, Light Brown Sugar, Large

Southern Pecan Praline Cake Recipe - Kitchen Fun With My 3 Sons

Southern Pecan Praline Cake with Butter Sauce - The Country Cook

Southern Pecan Praline Cake - Can't Stay Out of the Kitchen

Pralines are a classic Southern candy made with sugar, butter, and pecans. But why not take those flavors and turn them into a cake? This Southern praline cake is a perfect dessert to pair with your beer can chicken. The rich, moist cake is topped with a decadent praline frosting, making for a sweet and indulgent treat that will have you feeling like you're in the heart of the South.

9 of 20

Southern Fried Okra

Main Ingredients: Cornmeal, Flour, Garlic Powder, Onion Powder, Paprika

Southern Fried Okra with Jalapeno Yogurt Sauce | Small Town Woman

Classic Southern Fried Okra with Cornmeal - Pinch me, I'm eating

Southern Fried Okra Recipe - Spicy Southern Kitchen

Fried okra is a popular Southern side dish that is a perfect accompaniment to beer can chicken. The crispy, breaded okra pods are a delicious contrast to the tender chicken and add a touch of crunch to the meal. Serve them up with some ranch dressing for dipping and you've got a tasty and satisfying meal that is perfect for any occasion.

10 of 20

Southern Fried Catfish

Main Ingredients: Neutral Cooking Oil, Canola, Catfish Fillets, Hot

Spicy Fried Catfish Recipe | I Heart Recipes

Catfish is a staple in Southern cuisine and is often served fried for a crispy, flavorful meal. Pair it with your beer can chicken for a meal that is sure to please. The crispy coating and tender fish make for a delicious combination, and don't forget to squeeze some fresh lemon juice over the top for a burst of citrus flavor.

11 of 20

Southern Flaky Biscuits

Main Ingredients: All Purpose Flour, Baking Powder, Sugar, Kosher Salt

Flaky Classic Southern Biscuits | Southern biscuits, Flaky biscuits ...

Perfectly Flaky Southern Biscuits! • The Heritage Cook

Super Flaky Southern Biscuits | Gift of Hospitality | Southern biscuits ...

No Southern meal is complete without some flaky biscuits. These buttery, delicious biscuits are a perfect side dish for your beer can chicken. Serve them up with some honey or jam for a touch of sweetness, or use them to make a chicken and biscuit sandwich for a tasty leftover meal. However you enjoy them, these biscuits are sure to be a hit.

12 of 20

Southern-Style Cornbread Dressing

Main Ingredients: Yellow Cornmeal, All Purpose Flour, Sugar, Baking

Southern Cornbread Dressing | I Heart Recipes

Southern Cornbread Dressing - Miss in the Kitchen

Southern Cornbread Dressing [Video] - Sweet and Savory Meals

If you prefer a more traditional cornbread dressing, then this Southern-style version is for you. Loaded with celery, onion, and sage, this dressing is the perfect complement to your beer can chicken. The flavors of the cornbread and the chicken blend together perfectly, making for a comforting and delicious meal that will have you wanting seconds.

13 of 20

Southern Fried Shrimp

Main Ingredients: Jumbo Shrimp, Buttermilk, All Purpose Flour, Old Bay

Southern Fried Shrimp {with Video} - Miss in the Kitchen

The Best Southern Fried Shrimp Recipe – The Ultimate Guide to Deep ...

Fried shrimp is a classic Southern dish that is a perfect pairing for beer can chicken. The crispy, flavorful shrimp adds a touch of seafood to the meal and the tangy cocktail sauce is the perfect accompaniment. Serve them up with some coleslaw and hush puppies for a complete Southern feast.

14 of 20

Southern Potato Salad – Texas Special “Tater Salad”

Main Ingredients: Russet Potatoes, Large Eggs, Celery, Pickle Relish

Classic Southern Potato Salad - Southern Bite

Vickie's Kitchen and Garden: Recipe: Southern Style Potato Salad

Southern Potato Salad Recipe - Easy Mustard Potato Salad - Mom Foodie

Potato salad is a must-have side dish for any Southern meal, and this Texas special version is a perfect addition to your beer can chicken dinner. Made with smoky bacon, hard-boiled eggs, and tangy pickles, this potato salad adds a touch of crunch and flavor to the meal. Serve it up alongside your chicken and you've got a complete and satisfying meal.

15 of 20

Southern Buttermilk Pie

Main Ingredients: Sugar, All Purpose Flour, Large Eggs, Buttermilk

Buttermilk Pie {Classic Southern Recipe} – WellPlated.com

Classic Southern Buttermilk Pie Recipe - Something Swanky

Buttermilk pie is a classic Southern dessert that is a perfect pairing for your beer can chicken. This creamy, custard-like pie has a tangy, slightly sweet flavor that complements the smoky flavors of the chicken. Serve it up with some whipped cream for a delicious and indulgent dessert that will have your guests raving.

16 of 20

Southern Sweet Onion Hush Puppies

Main Ingredients: Small Sweet Onion, Self Rising Cornmeal, Self Rising

Southern Sweet Onion Casserole | gritsandpinecones.com

19+ Hush Puppies Made In , Untuk Mempercantik Rumah

If you love hush puppies but want to switch things up a bit, these Southern sweet onion hush puppies are a must-try. The addition of sweet onion adds a touch of sweetness to the classic hush puppy recipe, making for a delicious and unique side dish. Serve them up with some honey butter for dipping and you've got a tasty and satisfying meal.

17 of 20

Southern Fried Corn

Main Ingredients: Ears Of Corn, Bacon Grease, Butter, Salt, Black Pepper

Southern Fried Corn with Bacon Recipe - Cooked by Julie

Southern Fried Skillet Corn - 4 Sons 'R' Us

Fried corn is a simple yet delicious side dish that is a perfect pairing for beer can chicken. The sweet, juicy corn kernels are fried in butter and seasoned with salt and pepper, making for a flavorful and satisfying side dish. Serve it up with some BBQ chicken for a classic Southern meal that will have everyone asking for seconds.

18 of 20

Southern Sock It To Me Cake

Main Ingredients: Cake Flour, Granulated Sugar, Unsalted Butter, Medium

Sock It To Me Cake From Scratch | Lemon Blossoms

Sock it to Me Cake - Preppy Kitchen

Sock It To Me Cake | Recipe | Cake recipes, Chocolate cake recipe, Desserts

Sock it to me cake is a popular Southern dessert that is a perfect way to end a meal featuring beer can chicken. This moist, buttery cake is loaded with pecans and a ribbon of cinnamon sugar, making for a delicious and indulgent treat. Serve it up with some coffee or tea for a perfect ending to a Southern-inspired meal.

19 of 20

Southern Shrimp and Grits

Main Ingredients: Water, Grits, Salt, Half And Half, Unsalted Butter

Southern Style Shrimp and Grits - My Forking Life

Southern Shrimp And Grits - change comin

Shrimp and Grits Recipe | She Wears Many Hats

Shrimp and Grits {A True Southern Staple} | Say Grace

Shrimp and grits is a classic Southern dish that is a perfect pairing for beer can chicken. The creamy, savory grits combined with the tender, flavorful shrimp make for a mouth-watering meal that is sure to please. Serve it up with some hot sauce for a little kick and you've got a satisfying and delicious meal that will have everyone asking for the recipe.

20 of 20

Southern Smothered Turkey Wings

Main Ingredients: Turkey Wings, Adobo, Cajun Seasoning, Seasoning, Garlic

Southern Smothered Baked Turkey Wings | Recipe | Soul food, Baked ...

Southern Smothered Turkey | I Heart Recipes

Southern Smoked Turkey Necks | I Heart Recipes

Smothered turkey wings are a classic Southern dish that is a perfect accompaniment to beer can chicken. These tender, flavorful wings are smothered in a rich and savory gravy, making for a delicious and comforting meal. Serve them up with some mashed potatoes and collard greens for a complete Southern feast.

The History of African American Southern Chocolate Cake

The African Influence

The roots of African American southern chocolate cake can be traced back to the traditional desserts of West and Central Africa. These desserts often incorporated ingredients such as cocoa, peanuts, and sweet potatoes, which were abundant in the region. With the transatlantic slave trade, these culinary traditions were brought to the southern United States, where they were combined with European techniques and ingredients.

The European Influence

The European influence on African American southern chocolate cake can be seen in the use of flour, sugar, and butter in the recipe. These ingredients were not commonly used in traditional African desserts but were readily available in the southern states. Over time, as African American families adapted to their new surroundings, they began to incorporate these European ingredients into their traditional recipes.

The Cultural Significance

African American southern chocolate cake holds a special place in the hearts and homes of many families. It is often served on special occasions and holidays, such as birthdays, weddings, and family gatherings. The act of baking and sharing this cake has become a way for African American families to connect with their cultural roots and pass down traditions to future generations.

The Recipe

Ingredients:

2 cups all-purpose flour
2 cups granulated sugar
1 cup unsalted butter, softened
1 cup buttermilk
3/4 cup unsweetened cocoa powder
1 teaspoon baking soda
1 teaspoon baking powder
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
3 large eggs

Instructions:

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease a 9x13 inch baking pan.
In a large mixing bowl, cream together the butter and sugar until light and fluffy.
Add in the eggs one at a time, mixing well after each addition.
In a separate bowl, sift together the flour, cocoa powder, baking soda, and baking powder.
Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, alternating with the buttermilk.
Mix in the vanilla extract until well combined.
Pour the batter into the prepared pan and bake for 35-40 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.
Let the cake cool in the pan for 10 minutes before transferring it to a wire rack to cool completely.
Serve and enjoy your delicious African American southern chocolate cake!

In conclusion, African American southern chocolate cake is more than just a dessert. It is a representation of the rich history and cultural fusion of the southern United States. With its decadent flavor and traditional roots, this cake is sure to be a hit at any gathering. Give this recipe a try and experience a taste of African American heritage.